Agenda item

This report sets out the reasons for the referral of the decision made by the Executive relating to Review of Leisure Facilities Strategy (Swimming). It also explains the powers and role of Strategic Policy Panel in relation to dealing with this referral.

Members considered a report concerning the referral of a decision made by the Executive on 23 October 2007 on an item entitled “Review of Leisure Facilities Strategy (Swimming).  The report set out the details of the Executive’s decision, the reasons for the referral given by Cllr Scott, Leader of the Labour Group, and the powers and role of the Strategic Policy Panel in dealing with the referral.

The following motion (Motion 1) was put by Cllr Scott and seconded by Cllr Potter:

“That the Executive be recommended to choose Option b(ii) in the report of 23 October (withdraw from the partnership with the University and build a new Council community pool instead, costing around £6m), with an added recommendation that an all party working group be established which would report back to the appropriate EMAP and / or Executive Committee with a view to implementing the decision to build a City Centre Swimming Pool, identifying the appropriate location and design brief).”

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared lost (by 6 votes to 5).

Cllr Scott then put, and Cllr Potter seconded, the following motion (Motion 2):

“That the Executive be recommended to resolve:

1.         That the Council reconfirm its commitment to the partnership with the University on the following minimum conditions being met:-

a)                 That the University pool is completed and open to the general public by 31^st December 2011;

b)                 That the location of the University pool is agreed with the Council and is in such a location as not to deter public use;

c)                 That the hours of casual public use be no less than enjoyed at the proposed Oaklands and existing Yearsley pools and shall include peak time public access for the life time of the pool.

d)                 That the charging structure for public access shall:-

(i)                 be no greater than the highest charge charged by the Council;

(ii)               provide a like discount for York Card holders and concessionary groups as in Council run pools;

(iii)             provide a like discount at the same level as offered for family swimming in Council run pools.

2.         That the Council reaffirm its commitment to providing swimming in the City Centre at the earliest opportunity by setting up an all party Working Group to investigate possible locations, partnerships and funding.  The Working Group to report to the appropriate EMAP at 6 month intervals.

The vote on this motion was inconclusive.

The parties’ voting positions on the above two motions were as follows:

Cllr Gillies, on behalf of the Conservative Group, indicated that he would be prepared to support the Executive’s original decision, subject to the following conditions being incorporated into the formal resolution:

• A completion date of no later that 2011 must be secured
• Access for residents must meet the Council’s requirements
• The pricing structure must be commensurate with other Council owned pools
• Full details of the operating costs of the facility, and any Council liability related to such costs, must be agreed in principle before contracts are signed
• The provision of at least a ‘community’ pool in the City Centre area must remain an ambition of the Council, and we should actively seek partners to provide such a facility.

On behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, the Chair indicated that he supported the inclusion of these conditions.

It was then

AGREED:      That the Executive be recommended to re-convene to consider their decision in the light of the opinions expressed by Members of the SPP.

REASON:      In accordance with Constitutional requirements.